Slurry, liquid manure and dung

It stinks: Why you shouldn’t get angry

The liquid manure is spread on the fields with the slurry tanker. It is used as fertilizer.(Bild: Elisa Aschbacher)

The plant world loves it, but many residents don't: why manure is the best fertilizer for farmers and gardening enthusiasts.

One thing is clear: it's not exactly the most pleasant smell, especially now in spring. We're talking about manure, slurry and liquid manure. While it is normal for people in rural villages to see farmers fertilizing their fields with it, it is not uncommon for people in urban areas or settlements to be annoyed.

"People often don't want to understand why we do this work. They can't stand the smell, get angry and it's not uncommon to have to listen to stupid remarks," says farmer Erich Rohrer from Lind im Drautal. He doesn't have to deal with these problems himself. "But colleagues from the town do," he adds.

Farmers make an important contribution to biodiversity in nature.(Bild: Elisa Aschbacher)

Erich Rohrer is a farmer in Lind im Drautal.(Bild: Elisa Aschbacher)

And this despite the fact that farmers are already trying to minimize the stench. "The ammonia content is reduced with products such as volcanic rock flour. This also provides the plants with more nutrients. We also make sure that the manure is worked into the soil immediately after it leaves the field, which also reduces the stench."

Did you know that ...

• solid manure consists of manure, litter, a little urine; liquid manure consists of urine, manure, a little litter and slurry consists of urine, manure leachate and water?
• fertilizers are an important part of the natural cycle? They are broken down and converted in the soil. Without the humus-providing substances, there would be no soil life.

Many people probably forget that manure is particularly important for biodiversity, nature and micronutrients. "Manure is a natural fertilizer, and its use can significantly reduce the need for artificially produced fertilizers," says Rohrer.

Also popular with gardening enthusiasts
While many are upset, others are happy to spend money on animal manure. "We even sell the manure because gardening enthusiasts love it and it contains important plant nutrients," explains the farmer, who keeps suckler cows and runs a pig farm.

The manure is collected in the slurry pit.(Bild: Elisa Aschbacher)

Liquid manure is particularly good for the soil. "In addition to the main nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, it also contains sulphur, magnesium, calcium and trace elements. The manure also provides the soil with organic matter as food for soil life," explains the 59-year-old: "The manure does not contaminate the groundwater. We farmers have to pay attention to a few things. Like keeping a certain distance from rivers and streams, for example."